Music is a Universal Language The Truth About Learning It

Music is a Universal Language The Truth About Learning It Suzy S. Youve likely heard the saying Music is a universal language. If thats the case, then how should we be teaching it? How can you effectively learn the language? Read on as Aurora, CO teacher Zach S.  explores the idea   I recently was able to go to a master class taught by Victor Wooten, and he brought up something that is not talked about nearly as much as it should be in music. Music is a language. Now what does that mean? It means that music has rules (music theory) just as languages do (grammar), and that music can be used to communicate with others. I will go more in depth into those two aspects of music as a language, but if you read one thing from this post, this should be it: You do not learn a language by studying grammar all day, you learn a language by talking and by listening. The same approach should be taken to music learn to talk (play) but also learn how to listen. Communicating with Music I love music theory. I have studied it for seven years and it is my favorite class in college right now. With that being said, there are a lot of problems with the way music is being taught. When handed an instrument the first thing I am told to do is learn to play scales. Why? There is nothing musical about scales. I am not able to communicate with a scale, just as I am not able to communicate by saying the ABCs. The first thing we teach a child when they are learning how to speak is a word, but in music the first thing we teach a student is a scale. Why not teach the student how to communicate? Why not teach them how to express themselves first and then teach them how it works second? What I do with students in their first lesson is have them play. I dont care what, I dont care how, I just want to see what they have to say. Then I play back, and by the end of our lesson we are able to communicate and my student has learned how to say something with his instrument. That is why they came to me in the first place, to learn how to talk with their instrument. Why not teach the student that first? Learning How Communicating With Music Works Now this is where music theory comes in. After a little bit of communicating with music, we start to learn why it works. Just as toddlers start to learn grammar in grade school. It is not the FIRST thing that is taught, but it is still taught. One can communicate without any knowledge of grammar, but the ideas one can get across are simple. As one learns more grammar they are able to get more and more complex ideas across to the listener. This is why one should learn scales not to be able to play through them at rapid fire, but to be able to use the scale to get a more complex idea across.  Lets take my main instrument, for example, which is bass guitar. I can hang out on the root of a chord and I will sound good. I then can add in some different rhythms to give it my own little flair. That is with one note, but if I learn the scale that goes with the chord, then six more notes open up. I am able to get a more complex idea across just because I have studied the grammar behind music. This is why music theory is important to allow musicians to better express themselves. Conclusion Music is a universal language. Everyone feels something from music, so that should be the first thing taught to students how to communicate using your instrument, how to be in a band, and how to contribute to the sound. That should be the first thing taught by a teacher. Then it is the teachers responsibility to open up the vocabulary of the student, to allow the student to be able to say more, and say something complex. Music is taught backwards currently; we teach students the grammar and then hope they stay with it long enough to the point were they are allowed to say something. Lets teach student how to say something first, then worry about the grammar behind music. Thank you for reading! Zach S. teaches music theory and bass guitar in Aurora, CO. He is currently a Music Major at CU Denver, and has  played bass guitar and studied music theory for seven years. Learn more about Zach here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo by Melissa Wiese

Your Guide To Starting Dutch Lessons

Your Guide To Starting Dutch Lessons Dutch Lessons: What You Need To Know ChaptersCostInstructor-lead LearningGroup LessonsPrivate TutoringPlan Your RevisionImmerse YourselfGet HelpOnline ResourcesDutch is a relatively easy language for English speakers to learn because it’s one of the closest relatives to English. They’re like old friends: both are West Germanic languages, meaning that from a structural point of view even a complete beginner will find  Dutch much easier than master than say  Polish or Spanish.There are also thousands of cognates between English and Dutch that will make learning easier.  With your newly learned Dutch you can enjoy  some koekjes (cookies) and wafels (waffles) at the side of the canal on a crisp spring morning in Amsterdam!If that tempts you, here is our guide on everything you need to know  for starting Dutch lessons: JessicaDutch Teacher 5.00 (5) £21/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NaomiDutch Teacher £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EliseDutch Teacher £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutor s MichelleDutch Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors CéliaDutch Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors VanshikaDutch Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MichelleDutch Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LizaDutch Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsCostIf you’ve decided to learn a foreign language, there are a number of helpful resources available, and what you spend can vary on what method you choose. Whatever method you choose you'll have to invest time and most likely, some money.Cost is a really  important factor in selecting a language programme. There are many different ways to learn a language and you can spend a lot of money or none at all.We've included some different methods so you can find one to suit your budget.There are several computer programmes and software packages that can help you learn a foreign language. These programs vary from game-like apps, free online courses, and fully -fledged computer programs that include more traditional learning methods like flashcards and dictionaries.You can often try programmes for free so you can try out a few before you commit paying. Programmes like Rosetta Stone focus on speaking, listening and comprehension skills. They often use repetition as a method to learn vocabulary and many have technology that can help you improve your Dutch accent!The great thing about apps and programmes is that you can do a little every day. It an easy convenient way to learn in the comfort of your own home.But you  might find that need more guidance from a tutor rather than using apps and computer programmesInstructor-lead LearningThere are many benefits to having a tutor or teacher when learning Dutch. A tutor can use their knowledge and experience to help you really understand the language.Finding a native Dutch tutor is always best so you can hear how the language should really sound. There are many different ways you can benefit from i nstructor-led learning, from group lessons to private tutoring.They all have their benefits so you should find the one to suit you.Learning with others can be a useful tool (Source: Pexels)Group LessonsGroup lessons are often cheaper than private tutoring as you all share the cost of the teacher.Aside from price, group lessons can be a great way to learn. Group lessons offer the benefit of face-to-face accessibility with an instructor. If you have questions or are confused about a topic, you can ask your teacher for help.You will also have other students to interact with and bounce ideas off. You never know what your fellow students will ask it might be something you never thought to ask. Keep in mind, that individuals learn at different speeds. If you fall behind, you’ll still be expected to continue on at a certain pace. On the other hand, if you learn quickly or have prior experience with a language, you may be bored with repetitive lessons. JessicaDutch Teacher 5.00 (5) £21/ h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NaomiDutch Teacher £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EliseDutch Teacher £45/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MichelleDutch Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors CéliaDutch Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors VanshikaDutch Teacher £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MichelleDutch Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LizaDutch Teacher £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsPrivate TutoringIf you think you need more personal attention when it comes to learning Dutch you should try private tutoring.Online  or in-person  language lessons  with a private tutor offer the advantage of  one-on-one instruction.  Depending on your goals and learning style, your teacher will be able to adapt lessons to suit you.You don't have to worry about going at any else's pace like you would in a group class because your lessons will go at your pace and will develop as you impr ove your Dutch skills.Finding a native Dutch tutor in your area might be difficult, depending on where you are, so don't hesitate to look online for a tutor. An online private tutor will offer you all the same benefits as an 'in real life' tutor. You can arrange lessons over Skype and you will have access to the same feedback as you would if you met the tutor in person. Superprof has plenty of tutors all across the country and online that can help you reach your language goals.Do a little research to  ensure you're picking a good tutor. Make sure the tutor has the requirements you need to reach your goals.You need to feel comfortable with your tutor. Learning a new language can be daunting so you want to have a tutor who will encourage you and who you feel is invested in your learning. Speaking Dutch requires confidence and you should be able to draw confidence from your tutor and not feel shy in front of them. Finding the right tutor for you is just as much about your gut feeling a bout them as it is their qualifications.Don't hesitate to ask to meet your tutor, or arrange a Skype call, before you commit to lessons with them. If you connect with them and you feel at ease then this is just as important as their experience!While you will learn a lot in both group lessons and private tutoring you can't just rely on your teacher for learning. You have to put in extra work yourself between your lessons. There are many things you can do to boost your skills.Planning your revision between your lessons is essential (Source: Pexels)Plan Your RevisionThe first step is to know what’s ahead of you. What do you need to cover?Ask your tutor or teacher for a brief outline of what you're going to cover in class. You can use your timetable to keep on top of revision between classes so you're you really know the topic or grammar rule before you move on to the next one.Taking notes in class and from your textbook (or worksheets, if your teacher uses them)  is crucial. The acti on of making notes itself is a way of learning and remembering, no one can take information in just from staring at a page.Immerse YourselfListen and watch as much authentic content as you can. You need to immerse yourself in the language you are learning. Books, TV, YouTube, radio and subtitled films can all help.Reading helps you revisit learned vocabulary, and see those words in new sentences and contexts. One excellent source of foreign language exposure is through graded readers, which are designed specifically for language learners of different levels. Another good source is advertisements or menus, which tend to use short, colloquial text.Train your ear listening to Dutch radio and watching Dutch TV and Film. This is a great technique for comprehension. At the beginning of learning a language you feel like you should know every word but the more you listen to Dutch the more you'll be able to pick out keywords in a sentence so you can understand. As you listen you'll hear how they are using certain words or how they formulate sentences.It's good practice to note down words that come up often. These are usually connecting words or useful verbs that you can work in to your own speech.Get HelpAsk friends and family to test you. Get them to shout out a verb and you can conjugate it. Or they can test you on vocabulary or different tenses.Speak to fellow learners to test each other on what you've learnt in class. This is also a great tool to hear someone else explain a grammar rule to you. If you didn't understand it in class you might find it easier when someone else explains it in their own words.If you can, speak to a native Dutch speaker. There are plenty of language exchange websites where you can chat in English and Dutch to share your knowledge with each other. You might even find an exchange in person. This is an invaluable tool in language learning. You'll hear someone other than your teacher talking so you can get used to a new accent and to differen t vocabulary.Speaking to a native will also boost your confidence knowing that you can have conversations in Dutch and can even make a friend in Dutch!Online ResourcesIf you’re struggling with revision and need another method other than using your textbook, you can use  online resources to boost your learning between lessons.DuolingoDuolingo is a language learning website and App for mobiles and tablets. It's 100% free and is a great way to improve your language skills. The App is designed so you progress through a language course.You can practice your speaking, reading, listening and writing skills while playing a game! You'll improve your vocabulary and grammar skills by answering questions and completing lessons. You start with basic verbs, phrases, and sentences, and learn new words daily.Duolingo uses repetition as a learning tool. Words and phrases will keep coming up in different questions until you know them by heart.The App rewards your dedication with points and congratu lates you on logging on to your lessons consistently every day.Duolingo is one of the most popular ways to learn new languages. It is a great fun way to improve your skills and is completely free too!BabbelBabbel offers language courses online through it's website and on it's app.  It uses quiz style questions to help you progress.   You will be  shown new grammar and vocabulary and then be asked questions throughout the lesson to reinforce the information.The courses are really straightforward and easy to use and can be used as a great addition to your Dutch lessons. You can use it as a beginner or go in at a higher level.Unlike Duolingo however it is not 100% free. You can start a course for free but you have to pay to access more materials.Overall though Babbel is a great tool and will easily complement your lessons.In a language class, yesterday’s vocabulary is more important than today’s. The goal is to transfer the short-term knowledge of new vocabulary into your long-term memory. Review is essential â€" in the first few days or weeks after learning new vocabulary in class, recycle those words and you'll entrench them in your memory.Keep on top of your revision and you'll really make your Dutch lesson count!

Lateral Area of a Cylinder

Lateral Area of a Cylinder The lateral area of a cylinder is the area of the curved surface of the cylinder. If we unfold the lateral surface of the cylinder, we get a rectangle. The measure of the area of the rectangle is the lateral area of the cylinder. The lateral area of the cylinder can be found by using the formula L.A. = pi * r2 * h where r is the radius of the cylinder, h is the height of the cylinder Example 1: What is the lateral area of the cylinder with radius equal to 6 cm and height equal to 14 cm. Solution: Lateral area of the cylinder can be found using the formula, L.A. = pi * r2 * h = 22 / 7 * 62 * 14 L.A. = 11088 / 7 = 1584 Thus the lateral area of the given cylinder is 1584 square centimeters. Example 2: The lateral surface of a barrel in the shape of a cylinder is to be painted. The height of the barrel is 7 feet and radius is 2 feet. What is the cost of painting if cost per square foot is $1.5. Solution: The lateral area of the cylinder can be found using the formula, L.A. = pi * r2 * h = 22/7 * 22 * 7 = 616 / 7 = 88 square feet Cost of painting one square foot of the area = $ 1.5 Cost of painting the lateral surface of the cylinder = 88 * 1.5 = $132.

Looking for Online Tutors. Come to us

Looking for Online Tutors. Come to us 0SHARESShare Hey!   School holidays are over and its your time to go back to school now. How do you feel about this back-to-school season?   Generally students are given adequate quantity of homework from school before vacations. At times students find it difficult to get their homework done independently or even don’t feel like studying at home alone. Students these days are getting increasingly familiar with technology. Online Tutoring is a dependable platform that helps students to get their homework done comfortably and gives parents a sense of relief. Online Tutors for School is a popular option these days. The process attracts students because it’s interactive, informative and interesting. Some of the most favored features of this process are: Reasonably priced and hence affordable Charges are hourly or on number of sessions One to one mentoring Use of advanced tools to make session attention-grabbing Internet has given students the opportunity to make the task of studying easier through online tutoring. K-12 Tutor Online is considered as the most interactive means to impart education as it magnetize students and they enjoy learning. Students ranging from k-12 are taken care of by Online Tutors. Tutor Pace, a leading online tutoring portal is a reliable platform providing highly experienced Online Tutors. [starbox id=admin]

Top 10 Things A Tutor Needs To Understand To Intensify Student Learning

Top 10 Things A Tutor Needs To Understand To Intensify Student Learning Tutoring is a noble activity and it involves sharing of knowledge and positive attitudes. To intensify students’ learning and help them gather right insights in subjects, teachers need to understand the following things. 1) Tutor attitude Tutors need to keep student attitudes in focus and get ahead with classes accordingly. A good teacher does not show interest in covering the syllabus but tries to capture the attention of students through questioning, fun jokes etc. Without gaining the attention of students, you cannot get into their minds and share knowledge with them. 2) Student’s attitude Same way, bringing student minds into focus and getting them engaged in the class with a positive attitude is in the hands of the gurus. Once they know how to introduce a topic and captivate the attention of the students, they are half way through as the other end responds automatically from thereon. College online tutoring centers need a special mention here for motivating students to learn subjects via their custom made services and personalized tutoring sessions. 3) Being passionate about tutors and learning When the classes are filled with fun and joy via proper attitudes for teaching and learning, students start to like the classes, go beyond regular learning routines and take learning as their passion. Passionate tutors can create this situation. 4) Importance of in depth knowledge Teachers should make their students understand that cramming and rote memorization would not take them in the right path of knowledge. It is not knowing a concept but understanding it that will fetch them real knowledge. 5) Use of multimedia Multimedia tools help students gather clear insights in topics and learn with interest. Tutors should use them in the proper context to make the learning process interactive. 6) Searching the net For detailed understanding of complex topics tutors can browse the net with their students. It comes in handy for students while doing homework. College homework help is available for students to do their homework tasks online effortlessly. 7) Techniques of tutoring Teachers should understand that recapitulation, revising and repeating the ideas are essential tools for helping kids retain the learnt material in their memory. Students find it useful for easy catch of ideas while writing assignments. College assignment help online is also an available resource for effective assignment writing. 8) Every student is different Tutoring is a unique experience in the sense tutors have to take into account the individuality of each student and prepare their classes accordingly. When they personalize their tutoring, they get into the mind of each student and impart knowledge successfully. 9) Joy of teaching It is joy of sharing knowledge that kindles inspiration in every tutor. When the tutor understands that her mission of sharing knowledge is in the process, she feels inspired. 10) Tutoring is a noble profession Every guru holds the responsibility of shaping student minds, developing positive attitudes in them and imparting knowledge. In such a case, any tutor should feel proud of her profession and understand the nobility of being a tutor. Summary Teachers are the backbone of successful learning for students. They need to understand this factor for conducting meaningful, stress free and unique sessions and enhancing student learning.

Examples of Phrasal Verbs with UP and their meanings

Examples of Phrasal Verbs with UP and their meanings We have already looked at Phrasal verbs using the preposition AROUND earlier this week. There are many more prepositions in English we can use to form phrasal verbs. So today lets take the preposition UP and study phrasal verbs with UP.UP is a very commonly used preposition in English. UP usually refers to something above us.The ceiling is  above my head. I am going up the stairs to my room.But when used in a phrasal verb it has many  different meanings.  Here are some examples of English Phrasal verbs with UP and their meanings. Examples of Phrasal Verbs with UP BREAK UP  The usual meaning here is to destroy or dismantle something.Examples:I broke up the Lego model I  made.  I broke up the old wooden table we had in the garden. However, to break up can also mean to end. Usually it refers to  relationships. When a relationship goes badly we say that couple who lived next door have broken  up. He has moved out of the house.Example: The pop group who had all those major hits a few years ago have announced that they are breaking up. They will have their own careers now.SEX UP  When someone wants something to look or sound a little more modern then we can use  this phrasal verb.Example: Irina had to make a very important presentation to her bosses the following week. She spent 2 days writing it and showed it to her boyfriend for his comments. He said it was ok but a little bit boring. He suggested to sex it up a little to make it more interesting. He suggested inserting (putting in) a few graphs and charts and a couple of pictures to make it look attractive.PICK UP  Literally this means to lift something off the floor/ground or from the table and carry it somewhere  else.ex. I picked up the package and put it in the cupboard.Several other meanings of PICK UP are:1. to improveex. The weather has been terrible, rain and winds for at least 10 days. However the weather  forecast says it will pick up by the weekend and the temperature will rise considerably.2. to collect someone from somewhereex. If you tell me what time your flight is arriving I will come to the airport and pick you up.3. to catch an illness or a bugex. Last week John picked up a stomach bug and missed 2 days of work. Phrasal Verbs with UP - Image to share CUT UP  Literally to  CUT UP  something is to take a knife or scissors and cut something in to pieces.ex. I  cut up that old dress as I never wear it now. I can use it to clean the windows.However, it can also  have some metaphorical meanings.ex. Sergei has broken up (split) with his girlfriend. They were  together for ages. He is very cut up about it (very upset).DO UPThis is quite informal and refers to improving or renovating something.ex. Peter  and Jane and been living in the house for 6 years. They hadn’t done any decoration in that time. As  spring was approaching Jane got some paint and designs and they decided to do up (decorate) the  house one room at a time before the summer.MAKE UPto become friends again after a quarrelex. We made up after our argument but it still feels like there is some tension.Next time when you are speaking English try and use some of the phrasal verbs with UP in your conversation.   English Phrasal Verbs with WORK - Video Lesson

Adjectives to describe Feelings in English - Improve your English Skills

Adjectives to describe Feelings in English - Improve your English Skills Feelings and emotions are part of all of our lives. How we react to situations and events is  demonstrated through our feelings. How can we describe feelings in English? Here are some English adjectives to describe feelings. English Adjectives to Describe Feelings The following are is a list of adjectives to describe feelings and some emotions that we experience in  our everyday lives. I have given a meaning and a synonymous word with a similar meaning that you  can also use.RELAXEDMeaning: this describes the feeling when you have nothing to do or do not want to do anything but sit lie back and rest.ex. I decided to have a lazy day. I made a pot of hot coffee, I got my book I sat on  the sofa put my feet up and relaxed. An alternative word is LAID BACK.ex. He is a very laid back (relaxed) person he never gets stressed.NERVOUSThis is used to describe a situation when we cannot relax we have something on our  mind.ex. We are thinking of work or problems with the family. I was very nervous all day. My son was  taking an important examination and I was not sure if he had studied hard enough  beforehand (in preparation).An alternative word is ANXIOUS.ex. He was very anxious as he waited for  the results of his examination. Adjectives to Describe Feelings - Infographic Enjoyed this infographic? Here’s what you can do next: PLEASEDWe use this to describe when we are happy with something or somebody or in the way  something has turned out (occurred).ex. The results of the exams were published recently. My son  passed the examination with honours which meant he could get his place in college. I was pleased  with the result. An alternative word would be CONTENTED.ex. The results were good I could relax I was  very contented at last.EMBARRASSEDThis is used to describe how we feel when we do something stupid or silly and we  look a little foolish.ex. I went into the hotel and when it was time to leave I tried to open the security  door by mistake. The alarm sounded and everybody was looking at me. I was very embarrassed.An alternative word to use is MORTIFIED.ex. I was mortified when I looked in the mirror and realised I  had forgotten to shave. I looked like a tramp!STRESSEDWhen we are working hard or anxious about some family or personal matters we become  stressed.ex. I had been working long hours for sev eral months without a break. I needed a holiday I was  completely stressed. An alternative word is WORRIED.ex. I was worried for weeks. I had not been paid at  the normal time and my rent was due.   How to Describe Feelings in English CALMthis    word is used to describe a person or place or situation which is peaceful and quiet  without stress.ex. Everyone around him was stressed about the test. He was very confident that he had  done his work. He had slept well and felt confident. He was calm and relaxed. An alternative word is SERENE.ex. The hotel was situated in the perfect place. Near the sea surrounded my beautiful gardens  with no noise. It was totally serene.FRUSTRATEDWhen something does not work properly or we can not figure out a problem quickly  enough we get frustrated or annoyed.ex. I like crossword puzzles but sometimes I get stuck (cannot  work out the answer) and get frustrated until the answer comes to me (I think about it). An  alternative word is BAFFLED.ex. I was baffled by the problem for days. I thought the answer would be  easy to find. Eventually I managed to work it out but it was frustrating.Now you know 14 adjectives to describe feelings in English. And as always dont forget to practise new words in your English conversation, this way you will easily remember them.CURIOUSMeaning: to be keen to know what is happening or to get answers to questions we have about events taking placeex. He was very curious to know what was happening in the house on the other side of the street. Police had been coming and going all morning and a few cameramen were their also. He decided to go and ask them what was going on. Adjectives for Feelings - Infographic SCAREDMeaning: to feel frightened, to be alarmed, to panicex. The lights went out in the street and it was completely dark. She was very scared as she still had approx. 2km to walk alone before she arrived home.JEALOUSMeaning: to feel unhappy because someone has got something that you wantex. She was very jealous of her friend. Her friend had a new job a better car and now had just announced her engagement.We can also use ENVY (ENVIOUS)GREEN WITH ENVY is a popular idiom.DISAPPOINTEDMeaning: to feel unhappy when everything does not go to plan or something you expect to happen does not occurex.  He was extremely disappointed when his   did not arrive for dinner. He had not met him for some months and had cooked a special meal.CONFUSEDMeaning: to feel uncertain when no one knows what is happening or going on.ex. Everyone was extremely confused in the airport. The electronic notice board was blank and the gate numbers were no longer visible. Everybody was trying to find out which direct ion they should take.PROUDMeaning: to feel happy when you have or someone close to you has achieved something specialex. His son was the outstanding player in the team. He scored the first goal and made some outstanding tackles. He was very proud when he was presented with the “man of the match” award.

21 Righteous Reasons You Should Start Learning Languages with Video

21 Righteous Reasons You Should Start Learning Languages with Video 21 Righteous Reasons You Should Start Learning Languages with Video How many videos have you watched so far today?Video is a huge part of our everyday lives now.Its extremely personal. We often feel like our favorite video games, movies and shows are pieces of our identities.Its also as diverse as the human experience  itself, including everything from comedy sketches and drama series to news broadcasts, live interviews, commercials and YouTube clips.So, of all the countless ways to learn a language, using video is the one dearest to our hearts.Its not that there arent other enjoyable and effective ways to learn a language, or that video is the one single best way to learn, but for most of us, its the most practical.When you get down to it, for those of us living in the real world with all its real demands on our time and attention, effectively using video content is the strategy thats most likely to propel us  from linguistically aspirational to confidently multilingual.Its flexible, accessible, multipurpose, multisensory and scientifically proven t o be one of the most effective approaches to learning a language.So whats all the fuss about?We could go on forever, but today well cap it at 21 reasons you need more video content in your language learning life. 21 Righteous Reasons You Should Start Learning Languages with Video1. 21st century language learning has gone digital.In this day and age, weve got more options than worksheets and sentence diagrams.Digital technology offers us an ever-expanding list of language hacks, but  video is unique in  that, when used right, it can offer most of the same benefits as  real language use.The language classrooms of yesteryear were stocked with endless books and worksheets about  a language, but had little trace of the language itself. Now you can get pretty authentic exposure to native speakers wielding their language by watching the same video  content that they watch at home.In 1986, hunting down some good tapes of TV shows or movies in a foreign language wouldve been an ordeal, but today video content featuring live native speakers  couldnt be further from scarce.2. Videos are like talking, only not.Social situations can induce a lot of anxiety, especially for beginners and early-stage learners.Sometimes the stress of a real social situation can be counterproductive. Instead of focusing on the conversation and the language use, youre internally screaming at yourself not to say something stupid.Conversation is important, but watching videos is a safer way of building up to more conversation. Watching people use the language should help you get used to its sound, rhythm and the way people gesture or the expressions they make when they use it. Youll get a great idea of what a more or less normal conversation looks and sounds like.One way to dip your feet in before taking the plunge into real-life conversation is to sign up for a course like FluentU, which uses everyday video content featuring  native speakers of the language youre learning. All the videos there are ones that natives are watching at home on TV and on their laptops.Youll be amazed at what just a bit of exposure to native speech from the safety of your computer screen can do to minimize the anxiety  of the real thing!3. You focus on the speaker instead of formulating a response.Its hard to be a good listener in any language when youre always  busy  thinking up your responses to the sentences someone hasnt even finished saying.But the truth is, to learn any language well, listening is key.To learn and progress in your language, youll need to take the time to attentively listen to native speakers and observe how they use their language. Watching your target language video material gives you the luxury of devoting 100% of your attention to listeningâ€"you can even pause to ponder those rules and phrases you almost understood the first time around but needed a second to think about.4. Language is more than just the words coming out of your mouth.The vowel and consonant sounds wer e stringing together in everyday speech are only part of the story of communication. Peoples expressions, hand gestures and interactions with their environment (like gesturing towards an object while talking about it) all contribute to the whole picture of communicating in any language.Audio recordings and chats on the phone  are good language learning tools, but movies and Skype calls are better.Thats because looking at all the parts of language and communication as a whole help you not only to better understand  the meaning of what you hear, but also to better retain your understanding of what youve learned longer and use it more intuitively.5. Learning a language is learning a skill, not memorizing facts.We tend to think of our advances  in learning a language as being like a progress bar that we can eventually fill up, but its not quite that black-and-white. You can memorize all your times-tables or the periodic table of elements, but languages arent facts that you can rememberâ €"in fact, memorization can even get in the way of real learning.Instead, languages are  more like skills that you need to develop and practice.If you wanted to learn to ride a bike, would you start by memorizing the names of all its parts? Nopeâ€"the adventurous among us might just hop on and give it a try, but the handiest thing short of jumping in the deep end would be first watching a few  videos  of what this cycling thing looks like in action.Language is similar. Learning about its rules and origins is  important, but  a few clips from a sitcom or nightly news report make for better linguistic training wheels than verb conjugation charts and sentence diagrams.6. Watching videos helps prompt your brain to imitate the learning styles of children.Being exposed to enough real-life language use can signal to your brain that its time for a change.With the right resourcesâ€"like lots of video and audio contentâ€"you can help promote the kind of brain plasticity thats required to real ly learn a language like your younger self.Immersing your brain in the sounds of a new language can help your brain reset itself to a more childlike state, giving a boost to your ability to hear and recognize unfamiliar speech sounds from other languages.By consistently exposing yourself to native language use with  video, you can gradually teach your brain to recognize the new sounds of the language youre learning,  eventually increasing your ability not only to hear and understand but also to use the new sounds and words youre learning.7. Learning a language with video can help you to process that language like a native speaker.One of the more uplifting discoveries of recent neuro-linguistic science is that, contrary to previously long-held beliefs, you can actually learn a language to advanced  proficiency even later life.Under the best circumstances, some learners even achieve native-like brain processing of their second language!Common wisdom holds that immersion gives you the best chance of achieving near-native linguistic glory, but if you cant move abroad tomorrow, dont despair: try creating an immersion environment at home with video!8. Spanish telenovelas, French films  and the rest of the worlds cultural offerings are  too good to miss.Its impossible to separate any language from the cultural heritage that transmits that language to us.One of the biggest components of contemporary culture in most parts of the world today is the TV and movies people consume. Watching the same programs that  native speakers of your target language are watching in their everyday lives not only allows you to observe the language as its used every day, but it also lets you expose yourself to learning about cultural norms and values that influence how people use language every day.When youre practicing your Spanish with  telenovelas and an actress reacts with an ¡hay dios! and open-mouthed outrage, you can assume the name her co-star just called her was one youd better n ot use in polite company.When you catch this years futuristic sci-fi blockbuster, you might be getting a view of that cultures hopes for and anxieties about the future, as well as how people  talk about them.9. Video teaches you to talk like natives do every day.As they say, the camera doesnt lie.TV and movie scripts are generally written to sound like real-life people talking in real-life scenarios, so you can bet that whats on prime time is likely a reflection of the times.If somebody studied an English textbook from the 1970s and took their social cues from there, theyd probably make for an awkward conversation partner in 2016. But tuning  into a couple episodes of NCIS or Parks and Recreation, on the other hand, would give a learner a pretty up-to-date sampling of the way native speakers are talking outside of foreign language classrooms.10. Native speakers talk fast.If youve never actually interacted with native speakers of your target language before, youre in for an unpleasan t surprise: they talk way faster and less articulately than the carefully-pronounced sentences youve been transcribing in your language learning app.Adjusting to the speed of actual native speech can be a discouraging shock if youre not ready for it. Watching videos (especially with target language subtitles) is a good way to start making the mental connections between the neatly-typed words youve written out on your vocabulary list and the way they actually sound when spoken in the middle of a natural native sentence.You can pause, rewind and fast forward, and a video clip is usually willing to repeat itself for you as many times as you need!11. And they use a lot of slang.Its not just speed and clarity that can pose challenges, but also the very words and expressions native speakers of any language use in their daily lives. But truthfully, learning slang has to be one of the most exciting parts of learning a new language.The words people are really using on the street vary between regions and generations in any language, but one thing is sure: most of them dont make it into standard instruction mediums meant for foreigners.Accessing authentic video content in your target languageâ€"anything from teen sensations YouTube channels to everybodys favorite weeknight sitcomâ€"is a good way to get exposure to these different slang words and regional vocabularies.You not only get to hear these new words in context, but you can also get a feel for whats appropriate for whom and in what context before trying it out in sensitive social situations.12. Videos are easier to incorporate into your routine than grammar books.One reason people end up not following through on learning languages is because its annoying. Trying to squeeze flashcards or lessons into your daily grind can be an enormous hurdle, because theres really no natural space for these things in your day.With video, on the other hand, making time for language practice is a breeze: most of us consume plenty of video content already every day between our newsfeeds, idle YouTubing on the way home from work or school, and letting our guts out on the couch to relax at the end of the day.These are all perfect places to slip in some autopilot language learning, by swapping your cute cat  videos  for videos of cute cats with German people exclaiming over their cuteness in German from behind the camera.13. Writing off movie night as language practice is the absolute best.When you do succeed in making language study time synonymous with chill time, youll know true happiness.Thats why were thrilled to tell you that learning a language by watching  movies is definitely a thing, and a thing you should be incorporating into your learning routine.Following extensive storylines and complex discourses is like a gym session for the language learning centers in your brain, and the detailed problem-solving youll naturally apply to gaining an understanding of the plot is about as applied as applied language learning gets.The increasingly detailed context and visual cues in the movies environment are great for learning new vocabulary in context, and its a way better way to pass your evening than worksheets and grammar drills.14. You can learn languages with video games.If watching movies is a solid gym session, then playing video games for language learning is like a triathlon.Video games almost seem like they must have been made for language learning, with their unique audiovisual immersion that makes you participate in a world and solve problems in it. Theres a reason why there are so many educational games for children out there.The cognitive cartwheels you have to turn to play a video game in another language are similar to those you turn  formulating conversational speech, and the in-context learning environment promotes maximum understanding and  retention.15. Because Netflix.Netflix is the media industrys gift to language learners everywhere.Not only can you find shows and movie s in a ton of different languages there, but most of the content is also genuinely engaging and interesting. This means that, once you find the right shows, youll eventually be like every other Netflixing couch potato, only your binges will be in another language.Plus, theres just something deeply gratifying about writing off a six-hour binge as language practice, like a giant nana-nana-boo-boo to the parents who scolded you for wasting your life away in front of the boob tube.16. Getting inappropriately emotionally invested in a show and its characters is actually good for your language learning.Your desperate need for Ross and Rachel to end up together might seem silly, but its actually a way to tap into next-level language learning.Try hard to find good shows with good characters, because theyre actually really good for you.The parasocial relationships we have with fictional charactersâ€"we consciously know that theyre made-up, but they still look and act like real humans, and we often feel as if theyre speaking to  us  personallyâ€"are crucial for childrens acquisition of language, but adults can also benefit from a little make-believe.Our parasocial TV interactions stimulate the parts of our brain that promote empathy and social learning, which allows us to better and more organically learn the language from the characters were watching.Taking sincere interest with something unfolding in a foreign language helps you think about the content, whats actually going on, rather than fixating on the language. You start to follow storylines and characters, not words, just like in the shows you love in your mother tongue. Thats the definition of immersion.17. It gives you something to talk to the locals about when traveling.Not only does watching all your new favorite shows contribute to your understanding and retention of the language, it also gives you great conversation fodder.For those traveling abroad or Skyping from overseas, have you seen the latest episode ? is a great way to start a conversation thats genuinely interesting to you both.Even better, youll usually be able to learn and use all kinds of new vocabulary quickly when it comes to discussing your shows, since your obsessive understanding of the shows plot gives you a great context for learning new words and phrases used by the native speakers you discuss it with.18. We cant always jump on a plane today, but video can always bring languages to us.The fact that you cant drop everything and move overseas is a totally surmountable obstacle.Video content can fill the void in those times when native speakers and frequent conversation just arent reasonable options.Being able to hop on a platform like FluentU or stream news in your target language in the background helps keep your brain as immersed in the language as possible, while still living in your hometown.19. Streaming news in a foreign language is the best way to stay informed.Speaking of watching the news, its another seamles s way to tie a language into your day and to connect studying language with studying contemporary culture.The days headlines seem tedious sometimes, but watching and listening to them tells you whats actually happening  on the ground where your language is spoken, which can have an impact on the way people use language and certain words every day.As a bonus, this will help you learn things like names of countries and geographic features in context, adding  even more to your repertoire of conversation options for the next time you bump into a native speaker.20. The best polyglots have their own YouTube channels.Aside from the ton of language-specific YouTube channels out there providing content for your language learning, the coolest polyglots on the web are also curating YouTube channels with lots of video content to help you learn your target language.Follow your favorite blogs and vlogs to get personalized tips and recommendations for more video content in your target language.21. The web is full of video content in every foreign language you can imagine.In a time when 500 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube alone every day, the Internet is exploding with digital video content.As the Internet continues to penetrate more corners of the world and other languages assert their presence online, language learners are only going to have more and more options for video content in the foreign languages theyre studying.We tend to think learning a language with video is the best way to go.Sprinkle in summers abroad and private tutors here and there if you can and want to, and experiment with other ways to learn a language to your hearts content.But remember that, at the end of the day, if you wanna get the most bang for your buck in terms of maximizing cognitive benefits and learning a language in a natural, fun way, video is the way to go!